Chisinau, Moldova: An Unexpected European Trip

Moldova, a country you may have never set foot in, could be a pleasant surprise on your European journey. Although it is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a per capita GDP only slightly higher than war-torn Ukraine, the capital city of Chisinau has an indescribable unique charm. My trip to Moldova began with a stopover in Romania. I originally thought it would be as boring as rumored, but when I actually set foot on this land, I found it had a tranquility and simplicity different from other European cities. From Bucharest, you can take a sleeper train for more than 12 hours to Chisinau. The journey starts at 7 pm and ends around 8:30 am the next day, just in time for a comfortable night on the train. There are a variety of sleeper options, from four-person to single-person compartments. Our train was almost empty, so we enjoyed the treatment of a single compartment. There is no need to check or exchange tickets at the train station, just get on the train with the PDF file generated when you buy the ticket. The conductor will distribute bedding and other supplies, and although the toilet is simple, it is kept very clean. In the middle of the night, the train will stop at Iasi station and then go through border control. Romanian and Moldovan police will board the train to collect passports and stamp them, and the whole entry process is very smooth. Since the EU and Moldova have different railway standards, the train also needs to change wheels at the border. Although this process is a bit cumbersome, it is interesting to watch the staff use a jack to lift the train and unload the wheels. When you arrive in Chisinau, it is best to exchange some local currency at the train station if you plan to take the bus. This is because Chisinau buses use conductors to sell tickets. Of course, if you don't take the bus, you can pay by card at hotels and other places. It should be noted that since EU data cannot be used in Moldova, it is recommended to download offline maps in advance. The train station and the North Bus Station offer free Wi-Fi, but the Central Bus Station (the station to the Transnistria region) does not. As for the attractions in Chisinau, although there are not many, two or three hours is enough to walk around the city. The atmosphere here is more suitable for checking in and taking photos, rather than in-depth tourism. However, it is this relaxed and leisurely atmosphere that makes this unexpected trip to Moldova unforgettable.